Velocity of cart after seperation

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the conservation of momentum in a two-cart system. The initial velocity of the combined carts is 4 m/s, and after separation, cart 2 moves at 7 m/s. Using the conservation of momentum formula, P = mv, the user attempts to derive the velocity of cart 1, concluding that v1 can be calculated as v1 = (p - m2v2)/m1, where p represents the total momentum. The user confirms the need to apply the correct mass and velocity values to find the solution accurately.

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Homework Statement


Hello, so i had a family party and my cousin was doing his physics homework so i decided to join in. now I'm at home and was playing with one of the problems that his teacher didn't assign and got an answer that i want to check because my teacher skipped the moment chapter(i go to community college and we ran out of time because we had a strike) so i really want to know if i got it.

i can't remember what exactly the question said but i remember my sketch

[m1]--[m2]-->4m/s
cart 1 and cart 2 are connected as a train going 4m/s

[m1]- *break* -[m2]-->7m/s
cart 1 cart 2
what is the velocity of cart 1

Homework Equations


P=mv



The Attempt at a Solution


P = mv

p=p' because of conservation of momentum?

p = m1v1 + m2v2
v1 = (p - m2v2)/m1
this is where I'm kind of iffy... if together they go 4m/s does that mean they both go 4m/s or is it divided by 2 each?
 
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now I'm thinking... if i need a ratio between the two masses?
 
okay i just realized i use v2=7m/s for v1= (p - m2v2)/m1... lol
 
Last edited:

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